Fail-Safe (1964)
A series of computer errors sends a squadron of American bombers into Europe with the intention of launching nuclear missiles at Moscow.
Sydney Lumet's Cold War thriller is a real nail biter. Thought provoking and shocking and impeccably acted. Like the same years
Doctor Strangelove, except this is no comedy,
Fail-Safe is set almost entirely in the war rooms of the US president, here played with conviction by the always excellent Henry Fonda. A man having to battle his own conscience and anti Soviets among his chain of command. His scenes talking over the phone to the Soviet leader via interpreter Larry Hagman are terrific, challenging and full of tension.
I'm not going to spoil anything regarding the plot, but i'll finish by saying
Fail-Safe is a genuine five star film and is highly recommended.